Boy Trying to Make an Ox Drink 1761 - 1828

Sakai Hōitsu created this hanging scroll, Boy Trying to Make an Ox Drink, likely in the early 19th century, using ink and color on silk. Hōitsu's choice of silk as a ground is crucial. Its smooth, absorbent surface allows for a nuanced application of ink, and the woven quality gives a subtle texture that interacts with the delicate brushwork, highlighting the artist's skill. The painting depicts a tender scene, but it's also deeply rooted in the agricultural reality of the time. Oxen were vital for plowing fields and transporting goods, their care was essential to the economic stability of farming families. The labor of both boy and beast are subtly conveyed through Hōitsu's masterful control of line and wash. The scroll format itself is significant too. The mounting requires specialized skills in textile work and paper conservation, elevating the image from a simple depiction to a precious object. By considering these elements of material and making, we gain a richer appreciation for the artistry and the broader social context of Hōitsu's work.